Posts Tagged by blog
Umbrella: Blogging from A to Z
| April 24, 2012 | Posted by nighlon under Branding, Social Networks, Traditional Marketing |
Today, I want to encourage you to think of your brand as an umbrella. There are two ways to look at this. Your brand encompasses more than just your logo. It is all of the things that signify your company (or blog). So, all that your brand consists of falls under the umbrella. Taking into another perspective, your brand can shield your company from negativity. When your business (or blog) has a strong brand image that your customers or readers not only identify with, but have a consistent view of, it is harder for a single negative experience to tarnish your image.
Under the umbrella of your brand:
Name
Logo
Slogan
Personality
Colors
Distinctive Characteristics
Brand Trust
Your image as a whole
Shield your brand from the theoretical rain.
Great Customer Service
Brand Trust
Listening To Your Customers (or readers)
Use Social Media for Damage Control
Remain professional during negative crisis
Respond immediately and apologize for your customer’s inconvenience
Inform your customers of the your action taken to resolve the issue
Be honest
Have a communication channel to handle all complaints
Generate more positive buzz
Monitor your brand name with Google Alert
Remember that your brand is an umbrella. Not only does it encompass many aspects of your company (or blog), but a strong brand image can protect your image.
Read more about damage control here.
Tomorrow: A peak at my blog and let’s visit my friend.
Statistics: Blogging from A to Z
| April 20, 2012 | Posted by nighlon under Blogging Tips, Reviews, Tech Tips |
Not too long ago, I got an interesting email from a reader.
She informed me about a free online tool that I would be interested in sharing with my readers.
I took a trip to statmyweb.com and was quite pleased with what I found.
This is a free service that gives you all kinds of nifty information.
1. go to statmyweb.com and enter your domain
(Isn’t the loading screen adorable!?)
2. See your stats!
You will now see just about any statistics that you would want to see relating to traffic.
Initially, the information will be in paragraph form, but if you scroll down, you will find charts and graphs.
- Domain age
- Alexa rank (in world and country)
- Monetary value
- Page load time
- Google page rank
- Number of unique visitors a day
- Total pageviews a day
- IP address
- Server location
- SEO score
- Date of last post.
You will also find stats related to the number of “headings” you have used, number of images, and the language it is written in. Statmyweb.com has also included domain registry information, as well as a map of where the server is.
One of my favorite tools they have included is a listing of my top 10 pages! This makes the life of a blogger a wee bit easier! You will also find information on backlinks, as wells as your own links. Want to know how many internal vs. external links you have? This is the place to find it. Statmyweb.com has also provided the number of pages indexed by search engines.
Although Statmyweb.com has included much more than the average blogger needs to know, is is a one stop shop for all things statistics. Be sure to explore it, I’m sure you will find something of interest!
What is your favorite statistics tool?
Reality: Blogging From A to Z
| April 18, 2012 | Posted by nighlon under NighLon Updates, The Best of the Web |
I’m sharing a little something different with you today.
We all sometimes need to take a break from work in order to stay creative and fresh, this is REALITY.
This was definitely true for me today. I have been doing so many different projects that I was on the edge of burnout. (Some projects were NighLon, some were project from “real life”) I got some work done and decided to do something just for me.
Of course, I’m sure you have figured out by now that I am a completely random person with a son, a husband, and a ton of different interests.
I started The Palmetto Queen so that I will have a place to talk about the other parts of my life.
To talk about being a mom, a wife, a “ghost hunter” and all the other random hobbies I pick up.
NighLon is not going anywhere, and I will not be posting any less, I just needed something for my personal life.
This is also where I will be sharing pictures of my little guy, crafts, organizing tips, and my favorites.
I hope you visit The Palmetto Queen and follow me there, I promise it will be entertaining.
Be sure to visit me there.
What have you done for yourself lately?
How do you keep your creative spark and drive?
Insane Icing: Blogging From A to Z
| April 10, 2012 | Posted by nighlon under The Best of the Web |
Its that time again:
Today, I am introducing you to Candi. She owns Candiland Dessert Company and blogs at A Day in Candiland.
I love cupcakes, chocolate, cookies, and just about anything involving dessert! If you are like me, you will not be able to survive a trip to her blog. Go ahead and visit her- but remember, I warned you!
Not only does Candi bake the most amazing looking desserts ever, but she is a mom, a wife, and loves her Palm Springs home.
This is what you will see when visiting A Day in Candiland.
Candi blogs about her life and adventures in Palm Springs and in the baking world. She also shares yummy tricks and recipes.
She also writes about her love of tea- time. Candi is not only an amazing blogger, but she is such a great addition to the Misfit Bloggers. I am so glad to have her in our group.
Head on over to A Day In Candiland, and congratulate her on the big move to WordPress.
Once again, Candi is super amazing and you will be wanting sweets if you spend time on her blog!
How I Got Here and Where I'm Going
| February 21, 2012 | Posted by nighlon under Blogging Tips, Fabulously Geeky, Geek Out, NighLon Updates, Reviews, Tech Tips, The Best of the Web |
I know, that title is pretty vague, but it will all be okay.
After my post last week, FABulous Again, I began having some technical difficulties. When it rains, it pours.
1. My router messed up, and has been having temper tantrums.
2. My domain name servers were reset and NighLon began pointing to a coming soon page.
3. My Facebook has been acting up.
4. My thumb drive that I save all my work on deleted itself.
5. Yesterday, I couldn’t get into my blog, but everyone else could! #sofrustrating
But, It is all better now.
The router is half-way acting normal, and we have a new one on its way. I fixed the name server problem. FB will always act up. The lovely assistant on the phone for register.com helped me get back into my blog (it was actually a really simple solution.)
Because I have not been able to post my normal Facebook lesson, Best of the Web, or Branding lesson, I asked my blogging buddies what they would like to see on NighLon. I was given some great suggestions. I will eventually be implementing them all.
Today, I will be sharing with you how NighLon began. This is the VERY beginning of the journey.
Lets go back a whopping 13 years! (That is almost have of my life!)
I was creating my class schedule in high school. My Mother was very strict about class schedules. I thought I would be sneaky and put in cosmetology (sounded like fun to me) and a study hall. I was wrong. Instead, she made my schedule for me. I ended up with classes I didn’t really want to take. I ended up taking (along with the normal required courses) Web Publishing and Marketing.
DECA: Distributive Education Clubs of America
Web publishing is still a toss up. However, I am so happy that my Mother made me take marketing. My only regret is not participating in DECA , but I really didn’t have enough time. I was spread pretty thin. In this class I learned why the milk is at the back of the store, why the magazines are at the register, and why some restaurants are neutral while others are bright colors.
This was not the beginning of my love of advertising or sociology, just the point when I started to put it all together and learn what to call it.
I don’t think my Mother knew that that one course would lead me here, I think she was just teaching me a lesson. However, I am so grateful to her for making that call and always expecting more from me.
I will share other bits of my story as time goes on.
source: Pinterest
Now onto where NighLon is going! Yes, we are sparkling!
There are some really exciting things that I am so excited to have NighLon be a part of.
- My Blogging Buddies and I are starting a Weekly Blogging Workshop. We are so excited to be critiquing each other’s blogs.
- NighLon has some really exciting reviews of web services coming up (you will really be amazed by what I have found)
- I have a guest post in the works.
- There are all kinds of other goodies coming up. More details later.
10 Things to Remember When Creating A Brand
| February 8, 2012 | Posted by nighlon under Blogging Tips, Branding, Uncategorized |
One of the most iconic logos of the 20th century and beyond.
Creating a brand is one of the most important things you will do in your professional life. Whether you are job hunting, starting a business, starting a blog, promoting and event, or even selling a product. A brand is more than a logo, it is what the world sees when it looks at you and your business. Persuasive Brands defines a brand as “a set of perceptions and images that represent a company, product or service. While many people refer to a brand as a logo, tag line or audio jingle, a brand is actually much larger. A brand is the essence or promise of what will be delivered or experienced.” Although that sums it up, a brand is much bigger than that. Think of your brand as a neon sign above your head shouting to the world what it is that you have to offer.
For the purpose of this article, think of yourself, your blog, your product, your business as a business. (Which, I think is a good practice anyway)
There are 10 biggies to keep in mind as you are defining your brand.
- What is one word to describe yourself? How can you relate this to your business?
- Be exclusive. Make people want to join “the most exclusive club” Who wants to join a club that invites everyone?
- Be Bold- make sure people remember you.
- Be honest about who you are and who your business is. It is much easier to create consistency if you keep this in mind.
- Tell the world How FABULOUS you are.
- Start branding now. The opportunities to express your unique brand are all around you.
- Keep it consistent across all media platforms. This is true with your personal pages as well. With the internet at our fingertips, it is so easy for potential “customers” to see your personal information. You don’t want to be turned down for an opportunity because of something inappropriate you said on Facebook.
- Make sure the image, color, and wording of your name and tagline match the brand you have created.
- Is there something you always say or wear? Include this in the brand. (Think Elizabeth Taylor and her Diamonds)
- Everyone has heard the saying “dress for the job you want, not the job you have,” the same goes for branding. Exude the image of the business you want, not the start-up you have. If you have the appropriate image, confidence, and the drive, it will fall into place.
Does your brand reflect who you are?
Does it need some help?
Do you have questions about this?
I want in Triberr & Another Gift for You!
| December 17, 2011 | Posted by nighlon under Blog Bling, Branding, Christmas, Fabulously Geeky, Holidays, Other, Social Networks |
I discovered something today.
It may just be the best thing since Twitter!
source: Triberr
I had heard of triberr.com before, but really hadn’t given it much thought.
(enter the gets distracted by shiny things side of me)
Earlier today, I was playing on Klout, and ended up on triberr.com.
I have no idea how I got there, just that a lot of clicks were involved!
I start looking into it, and I am totally dumbfounded. It seems absolutely amazing.
Basically, it is a community where bloggers support and encourage eachother.
Triberr in their own words:
“Triberr is a blogging community that solves the number one problem that bloggers have. We do that by allowing small and medium size bloggers to come together and let them tap into each other’s audiences automagically.”
Amazing, right!
Why didn’t I think of this?
OH yeah, I’m distracted by shiny things.
Anyway. I try to sign up and guess what….
I have to have an invite code!
So to sum up this post:
If anyone has an invite for me, please feel free to share!
Here is a Christmas frame for you!
Just right click and save. If you enjoy or need help inserting the pictures, feel free to leave a comment.
Please read my Terms of Use
I have skipped the blog of the day for a few days because I have something special lined up!
Enjoy and Merry Christmas!
I ♥ Pink & Today's Inspirations
| December 9, 2011 | Posted by nighlon under Fabulously Geeky, The Best of the Web |
Today, I have felt quite accomplished, so as a reward I decided that I would reward my self with
some much needed blog catch-up.
I went to some of my favorite blogs and it hit me… (when I saw a pink camera of course)
That I would search for hot pink stuff!
So, what I have come up with is my Christmas list to my FAIRY GODMOTHER!
( I know, but a girl can wish)
Here it is
this Jeep
this kitchen
with this Kitchenaid Mixer
this closet
this sofa
this guitar
this office
OK, so now that I’m done drooling over hot pink things,
on to the
Today’s blog of the day is actually the blog that inspired this post!
A Quirky Girl’s Thoughts is my favorite place to go when I want to relax and drool over things.
She documents her life through instagram, holds giveaways for some really amazing products, and just shows some of the cutest things on her blog.
It really is a collection of thoughts from a quirky girl.
Jacque is a truly unique individual who I think has something for everyone.
If you need a smile, an idea, or just to relax, her blog is the perfect place to go!
Head on over to A Quirky Girl’s Thoughts, have some fun,
and don’t forget to let her know that I sent you!
Enjoy all the pinkness and Merry Christmas
I ? Pink & Today's Inspirations
| December 9, 2011 | Posted by nighlon under Fabulously Geeky, The Best of the Web |
Today, I have felt quite accomplished, so as a reward I decided that I would reward my self with
some much needed blog catch-up.
I went to some of my favorite blogs and it hit me… (when I saw a pink camera of course)
That I would search for hot pink stuff!
So, what I have come up with is my Christmas list to my FAIRY GODMOTHER!
( I know, but a girl can wish)
Here it is
this Jeep
this kitchen
with this Kitchenaid Mixer
this closet
this sofa
this guitar
this office
OK, so now that I’m done drooling over hot pink things,
on to the
Today’s blog of the day is actually the blog that inspired this post!
A Quirky Girl’s Thoughts is my favorite place to go when I want to relax and drool over things.
She documents her life through instagram, holds giveaways for some really amazing products, and just shows some of the cutest things on her blog.
It really is a collection of thoughts from a quirky girl.
Jacque is a truly unique individual who I think has something for everyone.
If you need a smile, an idea, or just to relax, her blog is the perfect place to go!
Head on over to A Quirky Girl’s Thoughts, have some fun,
and don’t forget to let her know that I sent you!
Enjoy all the pinkness and Merry Christmas
Letters to Santa
| December 7, 2011 | Posted by nighlon under Blog Bling, Christmas, Holidays |
This time of year always makes me think of all the traditions my Mother held tight to every year. These traditions will always have a warm spot in my heart. We always colored an advent calendar; took food to charities; stood outside stores ringing bells; and woke to reindeer tracks and Santa’s muddy boot prints. However, I think what stands out to me the most would be our letters to Santa.
In case you haven’t noticed, my childhood was quite different from most. We have a strict, but very loving Mama who instilled in us many important values. Most of all, she taught us responsibility, manners, respect, gratitude, and thoughtfulness. Things were no different at Christmas time.
Every year, after the tree was put up; the old world Santas were placed around the house; and the Nativity scene placed on the sidebar, it was time to write our letters to Santa. We would sit at the dining room table with homemade hot cocoa and Christmas cookies. Mama would turn on Christmas music and bring out her box of stationary. Inside this box, was the prettiest Christmas paper ever! The best part, it was only used for our letters to Santa. She even had special pencils for us to use.
Now, my mama is a bit different from most when it comes to writing to Santa. There were rules involved. Not only did we have to use our best handwriting, but we also had to actually write a letter- no lists allowed! We were only allowed to ask for one thing. Most of all, we had to show appreciation. Our letters were to include a thank you for last years gifts; a thank you for being nice to so many kids; and what we accomplished that year. I didn’t understand why we did this, but now I am so thankful that my Mama did this. After we wrote our letters, we made Santa a gift- usually an ornament.
As I sit here writing this, I wonder what made her think to do this. Also, I wonder whatever happened to those years of gifts for Santa from three children with an amazing Mother. I have my suspicions that they were either given to family members, the sick and elderly at hospitals or nursing homes, women’s shelters, or even to random charities. I will ask her one day. These are traditions that I will definitely keep going with my own son!
At the following websites, you can find areas to let your children email letters to Santa, as well as receive a letter from Santa!
http://emailsanta.com/email_santa.asp
http://www.freelettersfromsantaclaus.com/free_printable_letters_from_santa.asp
enjoy these links!
on the the
(The place where imagination opens the heart)
source: The Dolls are Alright
The Dolls are Alright is a blog written by dolls (Patti, Petie, and Tricia) and their Guardian (Patricia).
The blog contains stories from their everyday lives, photo shoots, and even snippets of history.
I met Patricia in a course on SITS ( The Secret to Success is Support)
I knew from the point of hearing her story that I just had to see this blog.
It is adorable.
I have never seen another like it!
It is definitely a must see!
Just let her know that I sent you!
Write a letter to Santa, spend some time with some dolls, and have a Merry Christmas
My name is Cari and I am the owner of NighLon. I am a marketing consultant specializing in branding and logo design. I pride myself in working closely with clients when designing and assisting with marketing, social media, and branding projects. I have a unique perspective that is based on personal experience, sociology, and past work experiences in promotions, sales, and customer service. Read NighLon.com to get an intimate look into the branding and marketing world. You will like what you see and want me by your side on your next endeavor.
